Violent thug jailed for stabbing off-duty cop in Strood
Attack erupts in fast-food joint
Harvey Smalling brutally stabbed an off-duty police officer during a spat at a fast-food restaurant on Commercial Road in Strood in the early hours of July 18, 2022. What started as a polite query about an uncollected order quickly turned sour when Smalling responded with aggression.
Victim stabbed after trying to avoid trouble
The victim and a friend tried to walk away to avoid a scene, even crossing the road to escape. But Smalling wouldn’t let it go. He chased after them, threatened them, then pulled a weapon from his bag and stabbed the officer in the chest. The victim was rushed to hospital with a serious wound but has since made a full recovery.
Swift arrest and harsh sentence
- Smalling fled the scene but was tracked down and arrested two days later on July 20.
- The 20-year-old from Eldred Drive, Orpington, was charged with grievous bodily harm with intent and affray.
- On January 10, 2024, at Maidstone Crown Court, Smalling pleaded guilty and was jailed for two years and eight months.
Detective Constable Emma Laimbeer praised the swift justice served, adding that such violent attacks on officers will not be tolerated.
